Home form delights Neal

Neal Ardley said he’s delighted to have turned around Wimbledon’s home form this season after the Dons stunned League 2 high-flyers Bury today.

David Flitcroft’s men came to the Cherry Red Records Stadium top of the table, but they simply could not handle the prowess of Bayo Akinfenwa and Matt Tubbs. It meant that Wimbledon made it three successive home wins to round off a great week in style after that memorable JPT victory at Milton Keynes.

Speaking to Dons Player, Neal Ardley said: “Last season was tough for everybody and I often went home and beat myself up because we could not see games through and get the results our fans wanted. We’ve changed a few things in our preparation for home games and we’ve got good players now. We always have an attacking threat.

“I spent several months during the summer trying to secure those two (Bayo and Matt) and I’m delighted with how they’re doing. Even though Matt had not scored for three games before today I looked back at the videos and he probably had 12 or 13 chances. You are never that worried with a player of his quality. But I’m pleased for the whole team. There are a lot of players behind those two who put in great shifts to make sure the forwards get the quality service that they deserve.”

Of course, the Dons had to defy late pressure from Bury to earn all three points and Neal Ardley praised his side’s ability to do that.

“In the second-half they changed their shape and came at us,” added Neal. “They got an early goal in the second-half, but then we showed our threat by scoring again. It was always going to be difficult, but the boys defended the box well. We were up against a tough team who carry a lot of threat and it was great that we were able to see it through.

“It was a momentous week that we’ve just had. I hope that the fans will go home with smiles on their faces and really enjoy their weekends. In football there are a lot of tough times so to enjoy the moments when things are going well is important.”

Dons Player subscribers can watch a video interview with Neal Ardley and interviews with Matt Tubbs and Ade Azeez will follow tomorrow.